NLC Statement on Tragic Shootings at the Washington Navy Yard

National League of Cities logo. (PRNewsFoto/National League of Cities)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is from Marie Lopez Rogers, President of the National League of Cities, and Mayor of Avondale, Ariz. in response to the deadly shootings at the U.S. Navy Yard in Washington, DC today:

"It is with profound sadness that the National League of Cities offers it condolences to the victims and their families of the tragic shooting at the U.S. Navy Yard. Along with the rest of the country, we are in a state of shock and disbelief about this tragedy, the worst in the U.S. since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

"We find it especially disheartening that this attack occurred at a military facility, where, as our President noted earlier today, 'men and women were going to work, doing their jobs, protecting all of us.'

"On behalf of city leaders across the country, we want you to know we are here for you. We offer our prayers and support to both the naval and civilian community who work so hard to protect our nation day in and day out."

The National League of Cities is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.